HEIDI SPROWLS DDS
CENTERVILLE, OHIO
DENTAL CROWNS
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns or “caps” are a restoration that fit over the top of your natural tooth to protect and strengthen it. They come in a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal (porcelain fused to metal), or ceramics. Crowns containing metal are reliable and strong, but they can be less attractive.
The Dental Crown Process
If Heidi Sprowls DDS determines that a crown fits your needs, she’ll discuss what type of crown you’d like and explain the benefits of each type.
She’ll have to reshape your tooth slightly in order for the crown to fit over the top of it. Only a small amount of enamel has to be taken off for this and won’t put your tooth at risk. If you’re uncomfortable with this procedure, she can provide sedation so you can relax.
The next step of the process is for Heidi Sprowls DDS to take an impression of your tooth so the crown can be customized for it. But don’t worry — using an Intraoral Scanner, we can easily scan your teeth to quickly take a 3D impression of your teeth, no putty or mess required.
These scans will be sent to the laboratory where your permanent crown will be created. Once it’s complete, your new crown will be placed with a dental adhesive.
FAQS ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS
Q: What are dental crowns used for?
A: Dental crowns are used to repair teeth that are broken, cracked, or too decayed for a filling. They can also be used to treat infected teeth after a root canal.
Q: What are dental crowns made of?
A: Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, gold, and zirconia.
Q: How long do dental crowns last?
A: With proper care, zirconia crowns can last 15 years or more.
Q: How much do dental crowns cost?
A: The cost of a dental crown depends on the material used, and if it is a crown on a tooth or for an Implant (which requires more parts). Insurance may cover some of the cost.
Q: Are dental crowns painful?
A: Dental crowns are usually prepared after numbing the patient with an anesthetic, so there's no pain during the procedure. Some discomfort or sensitivity is normal after the procedure, but it should go away within a week or so.
Q: How do I care for my dental crown?
A: Treat your dental crown like a natural tooth by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Avoid sticky or chewy foods for a few days after getting a crown.
Q: Can I whiten my crown?
A: No, teeth whitening treatments won't work on crowns.